When the news broke that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor had been arrested on his birthday, This Morning was airing as usual.
But one of the hosts, Alison Hammond, has been slammed for the 'weird' comment she decided to make about it live on air.
The former prince was arrested earlier today (19 February) on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Andrew, who turns 66 today, is currently in custody as officers carry out searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk.
His older brother, King Charles has since spoken out to say the ‘law must take its course’ after he learned of the arrest ‘with the deepest concern’.
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But it seems that Hammond’s first thought and initial reaction was around the timing of the ex-prince’s arrest – the morning of his birthday.
The former Big Brother star said: “They could've done it yesterday, the day before his birthday!"
And she added: “It is developing, we don't know very much beyond what you've just said. All we know is that police can tell you."
As for what the police have said, Thames Valley Police confirmed in a statement: “As part of the investigation, we have today (19/2) arrested a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office and are carrying out searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk.
"The man remains in police custody at this time.
"We will not be naming the arrested man, as per national guidance. Please also remember that this case is now active so care should be taken with any publication to avoid being in contempt of court."
But This Morning viewers were simply baffled by Hammond’s comment as they reacted on social media:
One said: "Alison saying 'surely they didn't have to arrest him on his birthday'. What a weird comment about an 'alleged' predator."
A second added: "Alison saying they shouldn't arrest him on his birthday?"
A third person wrote: "Alison so far out of her depth here. Dreadful."
Another joked: "Imagine if Alison was a police officer. Her boss: "We're arresting Prince Andrew in the morning" Alison: "We can't be doing that bab, it's his birthday tomorrow, he's probably made plans".
The arrest comes in the wake of fresh scrutiny into the former Prince following the most recent Epstein Files release, which included images of him on all fours and kneeling over a woman.
He has always 'strongly denied' any allegations made against him, having also agreed an out-of-court settlement with his accuser Virginia Giuffre in 2022, which made no admission of liability or guilt.
The former royal's arrest does not imply guilt, and police must gather and assess evidence before things can progress further, meaning it is impossible to speculate at this point the extent of any potential punishment he may face.
LADbible has contacted representatives for Hammond and This Morning for comment. Andrew has denied any allegations of wrongdoing in his association with Epstein
Topics: Prince Andrew, This Morning, Royal Family
Jess Battison